SUGGESTOPEDIA

A METHOD OF LANGUAGE TEACHING

Methods Of Language Teaching

1.Grammar-translation approachIn this method, classes are taught in the student’s mother tongue, with little active use of the target language.

2.Direct approachDeveloped initially as a reaction to the grammar-translation approach. Integrate more use of the target language in instruction.

3.Reading approachThis approach is mostly for people who do not travel abroad for whom reading is one usable skill in a foreign language.

4.Audiolingual method

This method is based upon behavior psychology. Based on the principle that language learning is habit formation.

5.Community language learning (CLL)

This approach is patterned upon counseling techniques. It aims at encouraging mutual cooperation and assistance between the learners.

6.SuggestopediaThis method emphasized development of basic personal

communication skill.

7.The Silent Way

The method emphasizes the autonomy of the learners.

8.Total physical response(TPR)

Combines information and skills through the use of

sensory system.

9.The Natural Approach

Confirms to the Naturalistic principles for attaining successful second language acquisition.

10.Communicative language teachingCommunicative competence is the goal of language

teaching.

Suggestopedia and its Background

It was created by the Bulgarian educator Georgi Lozanov in 1979.

Suggestopedia: apply suggestology to teaching.

Lozanov suggests that human brain could process great quantities of material given the right conditions of learning like relaxation.

Music is central to this method.

Soft music led to increase in alpha brain wave and a decrease in blood pressure and pulse rate resulting in high intake of large quantities of materials.

• Learners were encouraged to be as “childlike” as possible.

• Apart from soft, comfortable seats in a relaxed setting, everything else remained the same.

“ Learning is a matter of attitude, not

aptitude.”

• Lozanov himself declared that memorization in learning through suggestopedia would be accelerated by up to 25 times over that in conventional learning methods.

Desuggestopedia

Suggestopedia is now called Desuggestopedia to reflect the importance placed on desuggesting limitations on learning.

Desuggestopedia has been called an affective humanistic approach.

Theory (1)

The reason for inefficient learning is that we set up psychological barriers to learning.

We fear we are unable to perform.

Then, we limit our ability to learn.

Then, we fail.

We do not use the full mental powers we have.

We only use 5-10% of mental capacity.

Theory (2)

• In order to make better use of our mental capacity, limitations need to be desuggested.

• Students should eliminate the feelings that they cannot be successful and thus, to help them overcome the barriers of learning.

• Psychological barriers should be removed.

CharacteristicsStimulates the whole person

Undoes blocks

Goes rapidly forward

Gives creative solution

Encourages relaxation

Strengthens self- image

Talks to all the senses

Optimizes learning

Propagates talent

Enhances learning

Dramatises material

Includes pictures, music and movement

Addresses the whole person

The main principles of Suggestopedia

1.In an atmosphere of play, the conscious attention of the learner does not focus on linguistic forms,but rather on using the language.

2.Students can learn from what is present in the environment.(Peripheral learning)

3.Fine art provides positive suggestions for students.

4.Errors are corrected gently and indirectly.

5.The teacher should integrate indirect positive suggestions into the learning situation.

TechniquesCreate classroom environment- bright and cheerful,

decorated with scenes (holidays,festivals) from a country of target language.

Peripheral learning- students perceive more in the environment than we consciously attend.

e.g. putting posters containing grammatical information of target language. Students absorb the necessary facts effortlessly.

Techniques (2)

Direct suggestion

The teacher tells students they are going to be successful.(self-confidence)

Indirect suggestion

This is provided by music and comfortable physical conditions of the classroom.

VisualisationStudents are asked to close their eyes and concentrate on their

breathing. Then the teacher describes a scene or an event in detail so that students think they are really there. When the scene is complete, the teacher asks students to slowly open their eyes and return to the present. This can be done just before students write a composition in order to activate their creativity.

Choose a New IdentityStudents can be asked to write about their fictional

new identity, new home town, family,etc.

First ConcertMusic is played. The teacher begins a slow, dramatic reading,

synchronised in intonation with the music. The music is classical. Teachers voice is usually hushed, but rises and falls with the music.

Second ConcertStudents put their scripts aside. Then close their eyes and listens

as the teacher reads with musical accompaniment. Here music is secondarily important. At the end of the concert, the

class ends for the day.

What Is The Role Of The Teacher?What Is The Role Of The Students?

The teacher is the authority in the classroom. In order for the method to be successful, the

students must trust and respect the teacher. Once the students trust the teacher, they can feel

more secure. If they feel secure, they can be more spontaneous and less inhibited.

Advantages

1.Learning Will Be Facilitated In Relaxed And Comfortable Environment.

2.Thinking Highly Of Student’s Feeling.

3.The Emphasis Of Interaction.

4.The Treatments To Student’s Mistake.

Disadvantages

1.Lack Of Flexibility

2.Over-Emphasis On Language Use

3.Absence Of Tests

BY, CHINCHU CHANDRAN

THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION